Ofsted conducted a monitoring inspection of Firs Primary School on November 7, 2024, to assess the progress made since the last graded inspection. The inspection was prompted by the school meeting the monitoring threshold as outlined in the Monitoring Inspection Handbook. The purpose of this inspection was to evaluate the improvements made by school leaders rather than to assign grades to the school's performance.
The inspection revealed significant changes in the school's leadership, with Miss Sarah Johnson serving as the temporary executive headteacher since the beginning of the term. Her leadership has been pivotal in establishing a stable and consistent staff team. A permanent headteacher has been appointed and will assume the role in January 2025. Since the last inspection, school leaders have worked diligently to enhance the quality of education for pupils. Training for subject leaders has commenced, focusing on developing their understanding of high-quality education and the assessment of progress in their subjects.
While some subjects have clear plans outlining what should be learned and how progress should be assessed, there remains work to ensure that all subjects are adequately planned. The school has made strides in understanding the needs of all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. Staff now have a better grasp of how to support these pupils in the classroom. However, due to past inconsistencies in staffing, some pupils' needs were not identified and assessed promptly. Recent improvements and strong leadership within the SEND team are addressing these issues, with a focus on adapting the curriculum to meet diverse needs.
Support from the multi-academy trust has been beneficial, with lead practitioners assisting in data analysis and moderation of pupils' work. Collaboration with subject leaders from other schools has helped refine curriculum design. The introduction of the trust's teaching and learning framework has fostered a shared understanding of high-quality learning experiences. Trustees are aware of the school's journey and have set high expectations for future improvements.
The school has maintained a strong focus on safeguarding, which remains a top priority. The safeguarding and pastoral teams have worked to nurture relationships with families, enabling them to support their children effectively. This emphasis on positive classroom relationships has enhanced pupil engagement, resulting in students being excited and eager to learn.
Recently, the school has engaged with the Department for Education's school improvement initiatives and is building connections with other organizations to refine assessment and moderation practices. These efforts are expected to provide additional support and challenge, further enhancing the quality of education at Firs Primary School. Overall, while progress has been made, there are still areas that require further development to ensure that all aspects of the school's performance meet the high standards expected. The leadership team is committed to continuous improvement and is taking the necessary steps to address the identified areas for growth.
